Possible Delay in Release and Possible Splitting of Michael Jackson Biopic

The impending Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, may not be just one film after all.

According to Deadline, insiders indicate the Antoine Fuqua-directed film is currently running nearly four hours. As a result, the film may be divided into two films. A decision to split the picture has not yet been made, but if it is, each segment will be a palatable two hours long.

Of course, the divide brings to mind Wicked, which was split into two films. Wicked: Part 1 was a big success, and fans are ready for the sequel. Michael could easily replicate Wicked's success, especially given the number of die-hard Michael Jackson fans throughout the world.
Lionsgate is dealing with more than just the length of the film's final edit. The studio is also attempting to determine the best time for the film's theatrical release; it was originally scheduled for this spring but was last projected to be part of the 2025-26 awards season. According to the source, the film's release date could be pushed back to 2026. The company is also thinking out how to handle the film's legal issues, particularly those involving Jackson's molestation cases in the 1990s. According to Deadline, the Jackson estate "explicitly wanted nothing" regarding Jordan Chandler, a then-13-year-old youngster whose family claimed Jackson molested in the early 1990s. However, the charges have supposedly been incorporated into the film's plot. The prolonged battle has resulted in a disagreement between Lionsgate and the Jackson estate, as well as "extensive reshoots."

Michael features Jackson's nephew Jaafar as the titular King of Pop. The film also stars Nia Long and Colman Domingo as Jackson's parents, Katherine and Joe Jackson. Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, Derek Luke, Kat Graham, and Kendrick Sampson round out the cast.